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IMMEDIATE RELEASE 93’ Grad James Johnson a Member of George Mason Coaching Staff FERRUM, Va. – George Mason University’s magical run through the NCAA tournament and into the Final Four this weekend in Indianapolis has special meaning for one Ferrum College alumnus. James Johnson, class of 1993 and four year member of the men’s basketball team at Ferrum, is an assistant for the Patriots and an integral part in the success that George Mason has enjoyed this season. Johnson joined the George Mason staff last June after spending two years at Penn State University. A move from a school in a power conference such as the Big Ten to a school in the Colonial Athletic Association isn’t supposed to lead to deep runs in the NCAA tournament. But after winning the regular season Colonial Athletic Association championship, George Mason received an at large bid into the 2006 NCAA Tournament. The Patriots run is even more remarkable considering they knocked off Michigan State University, who advanced to the Final Four last season, University of North Carolina, last season’s national champion, and the University of Connecticut, the number one seed in this year's Washington D.C. Regional. Johnson was a member of the Ferrum men’s basketball team from 1990-93. The Panthers won league titles in 1992 and 1993, and advanced to the 1992 NCAA Division III tournament under then Head Coach Bill Pullen. Johnson began his coaching career immediately upon graduation when he served two seasons as an assistant coach at Ferrum. His coaching career has led him to Longwood University, Hargrave Military Academy, Old Dominion University, Elon University, College of Charleston, Penn State, and now to George Mason. # # # |
